Message from Jason

To wrap up a very productive year, we've just completed two live acoustic performances at The Tipper restaurant and Trees Organic Coffee House to promote our newest release, "Shine." Thank you's go to Gina Lily and John Pippus for hosting us!

It's been another great year for Locus - the band released two records in 2009, the first being our full-length album "Ambrosia." "Ambrosia" saw success with the first single "Wonderland" being chosen to feature in an upcoming compilation record produced by TEA South. "Shine" further showcased our growth and independence (with Kelvin executive-producing, we wrote, produced, and mastered the entire record on our own for the very first time).

On behalf of Locus, we'd like to thank all the venues for graciously hosting our performances, and all our fellow artists that have participated. Special thanks to all our friends who came out to see us! We appreciate your support very much!

We're looking forward to sharing more music with you in 2010! Thanks for a great year!

Locus supports United Way

Jason, on behalf of Locus, has donated 20% of CD sales proceeds of their recent release "Shine" to United Way of the Lower Mainland. All proceeds have come from CD sales at the HSBC annual Children's Christmas Party. Locus is proud to support United Way in its mission to provide better social services within the community, and would like to thank all the coordinators and volunteers at HSBC that have generously given their time to promote their newest record.

Shine

"Shine" is the new maxi-single from Locus, released November 14th, 2009. This new recording features the lead mandarin single 流星 ("Shooting Star"). Executively produced by Kelvin Chu, "Shine" is also the first release to be entirely written, produced, recorded, and mastered by the band alone. "Shine" also contains one b-side: the piano version of 向日葵 ("Sunflower"), originally intended for the band's full-length release, "Ambrosia."

Only 100 copies of the physical version of "Shine" are available. Tracks are also available digitally via Nimbit (see below).

To stream the first single, 流星 ("Shooting Star"), visit Locus' myspace page.

Tracklisting:

1. 冰園
2. 流星 (Single Edit)
3. Shine (Mind Over Rapture Remix)
4. 向日葵 (Sunflower)
5. Amber Rain

"Ambrosia" on iTunes!

Locus' second studio recording, "Ambrosia," is now available on iTunes! Click here to find us!

Secret

"Secret" is the fourth and final single from "Ambrosia." The romantic piano ballad was written by Kaila So and Jason Chu. "Secret" is one of a handful of songs selected to appear on the pre-launch of HYHO (Have You Heard Of), a new promotional website for Canadian musicians. The song is now available for streaming on Locus' myspace page.

Credits:
Secret (K. So/J. Chu)
Produced by Jason and Kelvin Chu
Kaila: All vocals
Kelvin: Programming, vocal arrangements
Jason: Keyboards, additional programming, additional vocal arrangements

All music and lyrics © Locus, 2008

Xtra West Cultural Series closing remarks

Thank you to everyone for coming to support Locus at their live appearance at Cafe Deux Soleils for the Xtra West Cultural Series on September 9th. Special thanks to Mark at Xtra for having us!

See the video for Locus' cover of Christine McVie's "Songbird" here (video courtesy of Gigi Lui):

Xtra West Cultural Series

Locus will be performing live at Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver) on Wednesday, September 9th for the ninth installment of the Xtra West Cultural Series. Singer-songwriter Catherine McNeil and filmmaker Magali Gauthier will also be featured. Show runs from 8:30 -10:30 pm. Join the facebook event here.

The Xtra West Cultural series is a live showcase for emerging queer artists, held every second Wednesday of the month. For more information, email Mark Kowalk at mark.kowalk@xtra.ca.

Blueprint

A new extended remix of "Blueprint," a track from Locus' 2008 album "Ambrosia" will be featured in the Enchanted Miracle 2009 “Runway Idol," an upcoming talent competition produced jointly by Show Attitude Studio and SFU Chinese Student Union. Fans can preview the remix on Locus' myspace page.

"Blueprint" is written by Kaila So, Kelvin Chu, and Jason Chu.
Track credits:
Kaila: all vocals
Kelvin: programming

Original version produced by Jason and Kelvin Chu.
Extended remix produced by Kaila So, Kelvin Chu, and Jason Chu.

TEA Compilation Volume 14

An edited version of "Wonderland" has been chosen to appear on the Toronto Experimental Artists (TEA) Compilation CD Volume 14. "Wonderland" is the first single taken from Locus' full-length studio recording "Ambrosia," and was selected for inclusion on the compilation based solely on internet airplay on CBC Radio 3.

TEA Canada is a venture that provides promotion and support for independent musicians around the world. Tracks on their compilations will be distributed to radio stations, film, TV, and print media sources for review.

Keep checking back for release date information. In the meantime, click here for information on the TEA Compilations.

Twitter

Locus is now on twitter! Follow us at http://twitter.com/wearelocus!

Don't forget - Locus will be featured in the Xtra West Cultural Series this wednesday. See you at Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Drive) at 8:30pm!

Xtra West Cultural Series

Locus' live performance at Vancouver Pride's Gay Day @ Playland will be featured in an upcoming short film produced by Stephen Emery, to be presented on August 12th, 7pm, at Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Dr,Vancouver) as part of the Xtra West Cultural Series.

Xtra West Cultural Series is a monthly queer showcase for artists, musicians, poets, filmmakers, and other creative artists. For more information, please see this link or email Mark Kowalk at mark.kowalk@xtra.ca.

Locus is currently working on new tracks for a forthcoming CD single. The physical release will be available in limited quantities (approximately 100 copies will be printed), but a digital version will also be available for a reduced price. The release will contain an edited version of Locus' newest mandarin single, 流星 (Shooting Star), as well as some new and reworked material. Keep visiting the blog for more details.

Garden Festival and Pride 2009

Locus will be appearing at two important events on July 18th.

• Garden Festival - Lansdowne Centre Mall (5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond). For more information, click here. Don't miss the BC Law Enforcement’s Torch Relay Run for the Special Olympics!
  

• Gay Day @ Playland - PNE Playland (2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver). For more information, click here.
  

Lost

"Lost" is the third single from "Ambrosia." The folk/rock-inspired track was written by Kelvin Chu, Eric Chan, Jason Chu, and singer-songwriter Ma[rl]ina. Fans can play the track on Locus' myspace page.

Credits:
Lost (K. Chu/J. Chu/E. Chan/M. Sawai)
Produced by Jason and Kelvin Chu
Kaila: All vocals
Kelvin: Guitars, keyboards, programming
Eric: Drum programming
Jason: Additional programming

All music and lyrics © Locus, 2008

Locus' next live appearance will be in support of Vancouver Pride's Gay Day @ Playland. Check out Locus' feature page on the Vancouver Pride website. More details to come.

Anime Evolution 2009 closing remarks

Locus would like to thank everyone at Anime Evolution for having us back for another year! We had a great time and we hope everyone enjoyed our set!

Special thanks, of course, goes to Patrick, Edison, Kelvin, and Mati of One Arm Bear who graciously accepted our invitation to perform with us. You guys rock, as always!

Anime Evolution

Locus will be appearing at Anime Evolution on Sunday, June 14th, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre (for directions, click here). Their set will begin at 1:30pm. Visit this link for more details.

This will be Locus' second appearance at the popular annual event that features anime screenings, panels, workshops, cosplay events, and more. For more information, please visit the official Anime Evolution website.

Meanwhile, check out 地平線 (Horizon), the second single from their full-length album, "Ambrosia." Go to the Locus myspace page to stream.

Horizon

地平線 (Horizon) is the second single taken from "Ambrosia." Go to the Locus myspace page to stream.

地平線 is written by Kaila So, Jason Chu, and Kelvin Chu, and produced by Kelvin Chu (with additional production by Jason Chu).

Credits:
Kaila So: All vocals
Kelvin Chu: Programming

Give All

Locus has covered the One Arm Bear tune "Give All" from their 2008 album "Blurred." Check it out here!

Keyboards, programming: Kelvin Chu
Additional Programming, vocals: Jason Chu

All music and lyrics © One Arm Bear, 2008.

Summer Spark

Thanks to all who came to see us at Summer Spark on May 16th. It was great to see all of you. We hope you enjoyed the show! Special thanks to One Arm Bear, Cakeshop, and everyone at Epic Marble Project for making it all come together.

We'll be appearing in several venues this summer in support of our latest album, "Ambrosia," including the brand new Vancouver Convention Centre for Anime Evolution, and PNE for Vancouver Pride's Gay Day at Playland. You might also catch us sneaking in some new material as well! Keep visiting the blog for updates!

Robert Chu has kindly provided us with film footage. Thanks Robert! Click the video below to view more performances from the evening:

PS: Be sure to catch "Paris in Tokyo" at the Summer Night Festival on May 24th as well! 

See you all soon!

Jason

Previous news

21May09 Locus is pleased to announce the launch of their new blog! Check it out here: Official Locus Blog

19May09 Locus debuts 流星 (Shooting Star), the first single from their upcoming third record at the first of the Summer Spark concert series at the Summer Night Market. Watch via youtube in our Video section - video courtesy of Robert Chu.

3May09 Locus, One Arm Bear, and Cakeshop will be performing at the Summer Night Market (12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond). Click here to see the promotional poster.

20Apr09 Click here to see a fan's journey to find Locus' latest album.

1Mar09 An edited version of Locus' first single "Wonderland" is now available for streaming on MySpace. Fans can purchase the extended version of the track from Nimbit. Watch for an upcoming stream of 地平線 ("Horizon"), the second single taken from "Ambrosia."

21Feb09 Kaila is featured on Ming Pao. View her article in our Media section, under Interviews.

16Feb09 A digital version of Locus' new album, "Ambrosia," is now available at Nimbit.

8Feb09 Watch videos from Locus' recent appearance on Shockwave, hosted by Epic Marble Project in our Mediasection.

1Jan09 Locus' new album, "Ambrosia," is now available at the following locations:

Zulu Records (1972 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC)

Show Attitude - Crystal mall #1205 (4500 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC)

"Ambrosia" is also available online via Paypal. Alternatively, email locus@anniegroup.com to reserve your copy with a band member.

 

Ambrosia is the first full-length album and second overall studio recording from Locus. Produced by Jason and Kelvin Chu, "Ambrosia" expands on the sonic diversity of their 2008 debut extended play CD "Silent Echo," and emphasizes electronic elements in its uplifting ballads and mystic rock songs. The new album features the first single "Wonderland," as well as the radio-friendly "Lost," co-written by Japanese singer-songwriter Maりna, and a special acoustic version of "力量" ("My Energy"). Drummer and guitarist Eric Chan provides vocals and production on "Free Fall" and "Time Capsule."

Also available (email locus@anniegroup.com to order):

   Silent Echo (EP)

 

 

 

7Jan09: Locus reveals details about their soon-to-be released album "Ambrosia" in an interview with fashion outlet "Show Attitude." Click here to view.